Dream Team

BRUNO FERNANDES (£5m) has historically been among Dream Team’s best midfielders ever since he arrived on English shores.Manchester United’s captain was a tad under par throughout the first half of the season by his own high standards but he’s climbed up the rankings since the turn of the year.The Portugal international now finds himself fifth among assets in his position having racked up 218 points in total.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Taken for granted?Credit: Dream Team87 of those points have come across nine Gameweeks in 2024.The jury is still out on Erik ten Hag’s side but Fernandes has quietly notched eight goals and ten assists in all competitions after his successful penalty against Everton last time out.That spot-kick against the Toffees means he’s now scored or assisted in each of his last four games.More broadly, Fernandes has scored three goals and provided five assists in 11 appearances since the turn of the year.And while his tally of nine bonus points pales in comparison to most his rivals, he ranks ninth among midfielders for tackles.Some statisticians would say that Fernandes’ recent string of goal involvements was an inevitability as his underlying numbers have been encouraging since the get-go.Most read in FootballBack among Dream Team’s elite midfieldersCredit: APOnly Phil Foden (£5.9m) and Cole Palmer (£4.4m) have registered more shots on target among midfielders.In terms of big chances created, Fernandes’ tally of 21 is the highest among all assets.Looking forward, the fact Man United have to play Liverpool in the FA Cup and the Premier League in the next three Gameweeks means their schedule is far from favourable.However, both those meetings will take place at Old Trafford and Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) and company spell more danger for Andre Onana (£3.3m) and the defenders than Fernandes and the other attack-minded members of the squad.Squeezed between those games against Jurgen Klopp’s side comes a double Gameweek with the Red Devils set to take on Brentford and Chelsea.Man United host Liverpool this weekendCredit: GettyTruth be told, Fernandes has generally been a fixture-proof asset in recent years – the schedule doesn’t tend to impact his returns as much as others.That being said, if Man United are eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool in Gameweek 28 then their skipper may find himself light on fixtures after the international break, even more so compared to players who will still be active in Europe.Fernandes’ form is worth acknowledging at the very least.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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PLENTY of Dream Team managers are switching their North London allegiance from red to white this week.At the time of writing, Bukayo Saka (£5.8m), William Saliba (£3.3m) and Gabriel (£4m) are among the most transferred-out players ahead of Gameweek 28.Conversely, Son Heung-min (£4.6m), Pedro Porro (£3.6m) and James Maddison (£4m) are among the most-popular recruits.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Saliba’s ownership is dropping this weekCredit: ReutersOn the surface, this may seem strange as Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League but gaffers crossing over to Tottenham are actually following sound logic.The Gunners are one of just six teams without a fixture to fulfil in Gameweek 28 – Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United being the others.This scheduling quirk is down to the fact six top-flight clubs are due to compete in this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals, meaning their league games have been postponed.Mikel Arteta’s side are comfortably the most significant absentees from the upcoming Gameweek with four players among the 20 most selected right now – Saka and Saliba rank third and fourth respectively.After their blank, Arsenal are due to face Manchester City at the Etihad in their first match after the international break.Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad is a huge fixture in the title raceCredit: GettyWhile they will feel confident of a competitive contest against Pep Guardiola’s side having beaten them 1-0 at the Emirates in October, it’s clearly a difficult match-up.Most read in FootballSaka and company will also face Luton (at home) in Gameweek 29, which is a more promising fixture but it’s understandable why Dream Team bosses are moving away from Arsenal assets this week.Spurs’ league meeting with Fulham at Craven Cottage will go ahead as planned in Gameweek 28 and the smart money has to be on the visitors following their 4-0 over Aston Villa.Son is currently the top performer this Gameweek having plundered 16 points at Villa Park and so it’s no wonder he’s an early favourite for Gameweek 28.Porro banked eight points against the Villains but the truly telling statistic regarding the Spanish full-back is his season average of 6.4 points-per-game – the highest rate among all defenders in 2023/24.Porro boasts impressive statisticsCredit: Dream TeamIn midfield, only three players average more points-per-game than Maddison’s 7.2 this campaign while only top-tier strikers Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) boast better averages than Spurs’ South Korean superstar (7.5).Postecoglou’s side have a relatively favourable run of fixtures after the international break too with Luton (home) and West Ham (away) in Gameweek 29 and Nottingham Forest (home) in Gameweek 30.It may well be the case that Arsenal players come back into favour after the international break, especially if they’re still active in the Champions League, but for now it certainly seems sensible to pivot to Spurs stars.A successful Dream Team manager knows there’s little room for loyalty in this game.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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MOVE over, William Shakespeare, this tragedy tops the lot.Dominic Solanke (£3.8m) was the third most-recruited player in Dream Team ahead of Gameweek 27 and with good reason.Bournemouth’s double header of Sheffield United and Luton (both at home) appeared to be heavily pregnant with potential.After all, the Blades have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season with the Hatters third on the same list.Backing the Cherries’ in-form striker seemed a perfectly logical strategy on paper.It was supposed to be a smart ploy…Credit: GettyAnd it seemed like everything was about to fall nicely into place when Solanke won himself a penalty early on against Chris Wilder’s beleaguered troops at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.Then everything fell apart.The 26-year-old confidently addressed the ball but slipped at the worst possible moment, scuffing his spot-kick over the bar as a result.Midway through the second half, it seemed as if Solanke had partially atoned for his miss with an opportunistic poke from close range.But Lady Luck once again stuck two fingers up to all the Dream Team managers who had used a transfer to pick up Bournemouth’s No9 when the goal was disallowed by VAR – rightfully so it should be stated.Most read in FootballAndoni Iraola’s side came from 2-0 down to snatch a draw but Solanke wasn’t involved in either of the goals and so he ultimately finished the game on ZERO points.A nightmare weekendCredit: Dream TeamThe combination of a penalty miss and a disallowed goal meant his backers were so near and yet so far from a healthy double-digit return.5.8% of Dream Team bosses are now crossing their fingers in hope of a miraculous turnaround in midweek when Luton travel down to the south coast.If Solanke is able to get on the score sheet on Wednesday night then he may end up justifying his Gameweek popularity after all.However, it should be noted that Bournemouth are one of six teams without a fixture in Gameweek 28 and so most of the gaffers who recruited Solanke last week will probably end up replacing him before Saturday’s deadline regardless of his performance against Rob Edwards’ mob.As great as this game is, it can be so cruel sometimes.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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IN what was generally a low-scoring weekend for Dream Team assets, Son Heung-min (£4.6m) emerged as a magnificent outlier.On Sunday, Tottenham registered a hugely impressive 4-0 win over Aston Villa in what may ultimately turn out to be a significant result in the hunt for Champions League qualification.And the visitors’ captain was right at the heart of their victory.Very much in the pictureCredit: Dream TeamSon scored one goal and assisted two others as Spurs dominated the second half in the midlands.The South Korean superstar registered 16 points when all was said and done which was more than enough for him to finish as the weekend’s top performer.Most Dream Team managers would have been convinced of Son’s talents many years ago but there’s no doubt his Gameweek 27 exploits have provided a timely reminder of his pedigree. Ange Postecoglou’s side have enjoyed a comparatively relaxed schedule in recent weeks which has limited the viability of their key players in the world of Dream Team.But that’s all about to change as their fixtures across the next three Gameweeks look rather appealing.Spurs’ fixtures look good across the next three GameweeksCredit: PAIn Gameweek 28, when six other sides will blank, Spurs travel to Fulham.And then in Gameweek 29, Son and company face Luton (home) and West Ham (away) in what has to be considered a relatively favourable double header.Most read in FootballFollowing that, Gameweek 30 brings the luxury of a home game against a Nottingham Forest side increasingly at risk of relegation.Given that Son averages 7.5 points-per-game this season, a rate bettered by just five players at the time of writing, he’s likely to be a popular recruit ahead of this friendly run of fixtures.It’s early days but the 31-year-old is currently the third most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 28, just ahead of team-mates of Pedro Porro (£3.6m) and James Maddison (£4m), further underling Spurs’ schedule as one to target.Bound to be popular recruits this weekCredit: ReutersA lack of European fixtures coupled with early exits from both domestic cups (plus Asian Cup commitments) has tempered Son’s returns somewhat this season but he’s been utterly brilliant in the Premier League.In fact, all of his 14 goals and eight assists have come in the top flight this campaign.He’s averaging a goal involvement every 90.1 minutes in the league under Postecoglou.It may be the case that schedule-orientated gaffers can’t accommodate Son once the European quarter-finals get underway but he looks well placed to deliver plentiful points in the short term at least.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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DREAM TEAM managers underwhelmed by their weekend returns should take solace in the fact they’re not alone.Gameweek 27 has been a low-scoring affair so far with just one of the 20 most-popular players in the game registering more than five points across Saturday and Sunday’s fixtures.Erling Haaland was kept quiet at AnfieldCredit: Dream TeamKevin De Bruyne (£6.1m) was the only exception as the Belgian playmaker notched seven points via his set-piece assist against Liverpool at Anfield.But even his backers would have been frustrated to see the midfielder hooked midway through the second half.Cole Palmer (£4.4m) has the chance to buck the trend when he takes on Newcastle this evening – Chelsea’s No20 is the 18th most-selected asset right now – but the point still stands that it’s been a lean Gameweek to date.Disgruntled gaffers only have to take a look at the top end of the overall leaderboard to understand that the standard has dropped across the board this week.Just one of the top 35 Dream Team bosses worldwide scored more than 50 points at the weekend.Saka returned three points against BrentfordCredit: ReutersOne of the main reasons for this was the 1-1 draw at Anfield on Sunday.Neither Liverpool or Manchester City defenders kept a clean sheet and the respective goalscorers, John Stones (£3.6m) and Alexis Mac Allister (£3.9m), are two of the less popular players among the star-studded squads.Elsewhere, the likes of Bukayo Saka (£5.8m), Ollie Watkins (£4.9m) and Jarrod Bowen (£4.9m) were unable to continue their good form.Most read in FootballDominic Solanke (£3.8m) was among the most-popular recruits last week but the Cherries’ No9 missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed by VAR against Sheffield United on Saturday.So close yet so farCredit: PAThere’s still time for things to turn around in Gameweek 27.Following Chelsea v Newcastle tonight, seven teams will be in action in midweek: Bournemouth, Luton, Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton and Aston Villa.GAMEWEEK 27 MIDWEEK FIXTURES:
Arsenal v Porto (Champions League)
Bournemouth v Luton (Premier League)
Liverpool v Sparta Prague (Europa League)
West Ham v Freiburg (Europa League)
Brighton v Roma (Europa League)
Aston Villa v Ajax (Europa Conference League)
The fact all the English teams active in Europe this Gameweek will be at home gives gaffers a reason to be optimistic of bumper points.That being said, Jurgen Klopp is likely to rest most of his important players on Thursday with the Reds already 5-1 up on aggregate over their Czech opponents.Klopp doesn’t need to risk key players on Thursday nightCredit: GettySolanke will get his shot at redemption at home to the Hatters but it’s worth noting that Bournemouth are among the select crop of teams without a fixture in Gameweek 28 – Arsenal, Brighton, Everton, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United being the othersREAD MORE SUN STORIESFingers crossed the midweek games make up for what was a lacklustre weekend.Those without suitable representation in the coming days may have to watch the action unfold from behind their sofas…talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news ahead of Gameweek 27 in one easily digestible dose.Kieran Trippier’s (£4.5m) calf injury was described as “not too bad” by Eddie Howe in his Friday press conference but Dream Team’s top defender isn’t expected to return until after the international break.Newcastle’s gaffer is prone to mind games when speaking on player availability but it does seem as if the England right-back, who still appears in 22.3% of teams at the time of writing, will not feature again until Gameweek 29.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!199 Dream Team points and countingCredit: Dream TeamDominic Solanke (£3.9m) insists he’s “fine” ahead of Bournemouth’s favourable double header against Sheffield United and Luton but the in-form striker hasn’t participated in full training this week.Andoni Iraola told reporters: “Dom is in a similar position to this past week. He hasn’t trained fully with the team… we are trying to put him in the best positions to play tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll train normally this evening. We will take the decision much like we did last week.”Marcos Senesi (£2.4m) is a confirmed absentee for the Cherries having strained his hamstring – the Argentina defender is expected to be sidelined until after the international break.Pep Guardiola may be without both Jack Grealish (£3m) and Jeremy Doku (£3.8m) for Manchester City’s crunch trip to Anfield on Sunday.The Belgian winger missed out against Copenhagen in midweek and faces a late assessment ahead of Gameweek 27 – as does Matheus Nunes (£2.9m).As for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp told journalists that both Joe Gomez (£3.6m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) are “fine” following the Reds’ routine win over Sparta Prague on Thursday night.Doku is a doubtCredit: GETTYIbrahima Konate (£2.9m) was said to be “positive” about his condition having been forced off in Czechia but the centre-back is awaiting a scan.Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.9m) came off the bench against Nottingham Forest and Sparta Prague in Gameweek 26, scoring against the latter.Pedro Porro (£3.6m) returned to training this week and is therefore available for Tottenham’s trip to Villa Park.Ange Postecoglou explained that “all the rest are still in rehab” in regards to Spurs’ other absentees which suggests Richarlison (£3.5m) is unlikely to travel.As for Aston Villa, both John McGinn (£3.7m) and Pau Torres (£2.7m) “will be available” this weekend despite rumours to the contrary.A late decision will be made on Jacob Ramsey (£2.1m).Mikel Arteta is confident he’ll be able to call upon both Bukayo Saka (£5.9m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£3.8m) for Arsenal’s home game against Brentford on Saturday.The England winger was replaced at half-time against Sheffield United after falling ill.David Raya (£3.1m) is not available to face his parent club this weekend.Saka is expected to play against BrentfordCredit: PAWest Ham have doubts in defence in the form of Nayef Aguerd (£2.4m) and Emerson (£3m) – the latter was forced off against Freiburg on Thursday night.The Italy left-back, who is currently tenth among Dream Team defenders, faces a late assessment ahead of Burnley’s visit to the London Stadium.Gary O’Neil confirmed that Pedro Neto (£3.3m) and Jose Sa (£2.6m) will be among Wolves’ squad to face Fulham on Saturday despite the pair’s premature substitutions against Newcastle.ARSENALInjuries: Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubt), Takehiro Tomiyasu (doubt), Bukayo Saka (doubt), Gabriel Martinelli (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Jhon Duran, Boubacar Kamara, Jacob Ramsey (doubt)Suspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Ryan Fredericks, Tyler Adams, James Hill, Max Aarons, Ryan Christie (doubt), Dominic Solanke (doubt), Lloyd Kelly, Marcos SenesiSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Bryan Mbeumo, Josh Dasilva, Ethan Pinnock, Ben MeeSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: Solly March, Joao Pedro, James Milner, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru MitomaSuspensions: Billy GilmourBURNLEYInjuries: Luka Koleosho, Nathan Redmond, Lyle Foster, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwo, Reece James, Beniot Badashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Rob Holding, Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Matheus Franca, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jordan Ayew (doubt)Suspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Dele Alli, Arnaut Danjuma, Idrissa Gueye (doubt)Suspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Raul JimenezSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konate (doubt), Ryan GravenberchSuspensions: NoneLUTONInjuries: Tom Lockyer, Marvelous Nakamba, Mads Andersen, Elijah Adebayo, Jacob Brown, Gabriel Osho (doubt), Amari’i Bell (doubt), Dan Potts, Joseph Johnson, Albert-Mboyo Sambi LokongaSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes (doubt), Jeremy Doku (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Joelinton, Callum Wilson, Kieran TrippierSuspensions: Sandro TonaliNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Chris Wood (doubt), Willy Boly (doubt), Ola Aina (doubt), Nuno Tavares, Nicolas Dominguez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSHEFFIELD UNITEDInjuries: Daniel Jebbison, John Egan, Chris Basham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Max Lowe, Cameron Archer, Anis Ben Slimane, Rhian BrewsterSuspensions: Mason HolgateTOTTENHAMInjuries: Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster, RicharlisonSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Maxwel Cornet, Nayef Aguerd (doubt), Emerson (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESInjuries: Matheus Cunha, Hwang Hee-chan, Craig Dawson (doubt)Suspensions: NonetalkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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